Machine for binding and punching sheets

ABSTRACT

D R A W I N G AN OFFICE-TYPE MACHINE IS PROVIDED FOR FIRST PUNCHING HOLES IN SHEETS AND THEN BINDING THE SHEETS TO FORM A BOOK. USED WITH THE MACHINE ARE TWO PLASTIC STRIPS, ONE HAVING LONGITUDINALLY SPACED UPSTANDING STUDS AND THE OTHER HAVING HOLES CORRESPONDING IN SPACING TO THE STUDS. THE MACHINE HAS A PUNCH TO PREPARE THE SHEETS. PUNCHED SHEETS ARE POSITIONED IN THE MACHINE ON TOP OF THE SECOND STRIP AND THE STUDS OF THE FIRST STRIP ARE INSERTED THROUGH THE HOLES IN THE PAPER AND THE HOLES IN THE SECOND STRIP. THE STRIPS WITH THE PAPER THEREBETWEEN ARE COMPRESSED TOGETHER. EXCESS LENGTHS OF THE STUDS ARE CUT OFF BY HOT BLADES AND RIVET-LIKE HEADS ARE FORMED ON THE SEVERED ENDS OF THE STUDS BY HEADING ARMS WHICH STRIKE THE MOLTEN ENDS OF THE STUDS AND LOCK THE STRIPS AND INTERPOSED SHEETS IN ASSEMBLED POSITION.

Sept. 28, 1971 w, ABlLDGAARD EIAL 3,608,111

MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS Filed Nov. 10, 1969 5Sheets-Sheet 1 I N VENTOR. W/LL/AM H. AB/LDGAARD CHARLES Z' GROSW/THIZIBY DALNY TRAVAGL/O QAW 4 4 ATTORN EY Sept. 28, 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD A3,608,117

I MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS Filed Nov. 10, 1969 5Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WILL/AM l-LAB/LDGAARD CHARLES 7f GROSW/THM' BYDALWY TRAVAG'L/O ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD EI'A 3,503,117

MACHINE FQR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 10,1969 IN E T WILL/AM H. A5/L%6 /&RD CHARLES ZGROSW/THJH BY )DALNYTRAl/AGL/O a a n,

ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1971 W. H. ABILDGAARD ETA L MACHINE FOR BINDING ANDPUNCHING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 10, 1969 INVENTOR- WILLIAMH. AB/LDGAARD CHARLES TGROSW/THHZ' BY DALNY TRAVAGL/O ATTORNEY Sept. 28,1971 w. H. ABILDGAARD ETAL 3,503,117

MACHINE FOR BINDING AND PUNCHING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 10,1969 E nAmm U OA/L N mw m wmw T M W 7 HSW M m9 M mm n k\ wt 8 K B mm H 7mm a 8 R S 8 wt 8 Q a Q n L United States Patent Otfice 3,608,117Patented Sept. 28, 1971 MACHINE FOR ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Anoffice-type machine is provided for first punching holes in sheets andthen binding the sheets to form a book. Used with the machine are twoplastic strips, one having longitudinally spaced upstanding studs andthe other having holes corresponding in spacing to the studs. Themachine has a punch to prepare the sheets. Punched sheets are positionedin the machine on top of the second strip and the studs of the firststrip are inserted through the holes in the paper and the holes in thesecond strip. The strips with the paper therebetween are compressedtogether. Excess lengths of the studs are cut off by hot blades andrivet-like heads are formed on the severed ends of the studs by headingarms which strike the molten ends of the studs and lock the strips andinterposed sheets in assembled position.

This application is a continuation-in-art of copending application Ser.No. 799,045 filed Feb. 13, 1969.

This invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for bindingapertured sheets to produce a book.

A feature of the present invention is the fact that it is a machine of asize suitable for use in a business office which both punches and bindssheets together, using two plastic strips, one having spaced studs whichproject through the holes in the sheets and the other being formed withapertures to receive the ends of the studs. When the two strips arepressed together with the sheets to be bound interposed and with thestuds fitting through the holes in the sheets, a ladder-like arrangementof the strips is obtained. The excess length of the strips are shearedoff by the application of heat, leaving the ends of the studs insoftened condition. The ends are struck with hammer-like arms which formheads permanently binding the sheets together.

A feature of the invention is the fact that it accepts a wide variety oftypes of material. Thus ordinary paper which has been punched or drilledadjacent one of its margins may be used or the machine may punch thepaper as a preliminary to the binding operation. On the other hand,looseleaf, previously-punched paper may be used. It is sometimesdesirable to re-bind books or to bind assembled pluralities of books,pamphlets, catalogs and the like. For this operation, the material ispunched or drilled adjacent one margin thereof, in a separate machine.The versatility of the apparatus, as far as the variety of mate rialaccepted, is one of the features of the invention.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that a range in thicknessof pages is accommodated. The studs of the first strip heretoforementioned are of extended length so as to fit through a relatively thickbook. However, the apparatus shears off the excess length of the studswhere less than the maximum length is required. The effectiveness of thebinding operation is relatively independent of the thickness of thepapers involved. The apparatus will accept a variety of sizes of sheetswithin limits.

Another feature of the apparatus is the fact that the sheets are tightlypressed together and then locked in place incompressed condition.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that by mechanicallinkages hereinafter described in detail, a single operating handle maybe used to operate the punch which punches the sheets and also tocompress the strips together with the pages interposed therebetween.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that a timing cycle isachieved which shears the excess stud lengths and then hammers the stillsoft stud ends to form heads.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that it is easily operatedby relatively untrained personnel. Little physical effort is required tooperate the machine and the operation is rapid.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawingsin which similar characters of reference represent corresponding partsin each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view partly broken away in section of the apparatuswhich is the subject of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof showing the device incompressed condition in solid lines and in extended position in dottedlines.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing elements of the device inother positions of adjustment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken substantiallyalong the line 55 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken substantiallyalong the line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the structure of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the elements of themachine which shear and head the studs.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the parts in anotherposition in the cycle of operation.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of one of the strips used in practice ofthe invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of another of said strips.

FIGS. 13 to 17, inclusive, are fragmentary, schematic views showingsteps in the cycle of assembling the strips and sheets, compressing thesame, severing the studs and heading the severed ends.

The apparatus hereinafter described is used to bind together eithertemporarily or permanently pluralities of sheets of paper or the likewhich are designated in the accompanying drawings generally by referencenumeral 21. Cover sheets for the front and back of the book may also beused. Each sheet is formed with a series of spaced holes 22 along onemargin thereof, the spacing between the holes corresponding to thespacing of studs 23 of first strip 24, hereinafter described. The holes22 are preferably round and made by means of a paper punch which is apart of the apparatus herein described. Occasionally, however, it isdesirable to bind pro-punched pages or to re-bind a book such as a paperbound book. Thereupon the holes 22 of such pages may be drilled orotherwise formed by separate apparatus. The dimensions of the sheets 21which are accepted by the apparatus hereinafter described, are subjectto considerable variation, the apparatus being made large enough toaccommodate a range of sizes. The thickness of the book which is to bebound is likewise subject to variation between a very few sheets and athickness which is within the wide and thick. The length isapproximately equal to that of the sheets 21. Spaced along the center ofone surface of the strip 24 are circular cross-section integral studs 23formed with points 25 at their outer ends. The studs 23 are preferablybetween A and in diameter and may be in length up to about 3".

The second strip 26 also is approximately in width and A in thicknessand is formed with a series of holes 27 spaced in distancescorresponding to the spacing of the studs 23. Preferably, a countersink28 is formed in each hole 27 along one surface of the strip 26.

The strips 24, 26 are preferably molded or otherwise formed of a plasticmaterial. One suitable plastic is a rigid polyvinyl chloride which isthermoplastic. Another suitable thermoplastic is high-impactpolystyrene.

The machine which is the subject of this invention, is preferablysuitable for installation on an oifice desk or the like and hence isrelatively small and compact. A base plate 31 is supported above thetable or other surface on which the machine is installed by pads 32.Projecting upward along either side of the base are sides 33. Extendingbetween the sides at the front of the machine is a horizontal lowerplaten 34 used to support sheets 21 during the punching operation.Spaced rearwardly of and elevated above lower platen 34 is horizontalupper platen 36 used to support sheets 21 during the shearing andheading of studs 23. Vertical panel 37 formed with an opening 38 toreceive sheets 21 extends down from upper platen 36 to lower platen 34,Behind upper platen 36 is a vertical panel 39, also formed with slottedopenings 41 and above panel 39 is a top 42 which connects to back 43.

Extending horizontally transversely of the machine adjacent base plate31 and approximately midway between the front and the rear of themachine is main shaft 46. An external operating handle 47 performs avariety of operations depending upon the direction and the extent whichit is moved. Directing attention to FIGS. 3 and 4, the neutral positionof handle is shown by line N. Connected to shaft 46 is link 48 which ispinned by pin 49 to front and rear links 51, 52. Spaced rearwardly ofpanel 37 and slightly above the level of lower platen 34 is punch shaft53 which carries a rocker arm 54 formed with an elongated slot 56 whichreceives pin 57 on the outer end of forward link 51. The left-hand endof slot 56 is formed with an arcuate extension 60. In neutral position,pin 57 is at the upper end of the straight stretch of slot 56. Whenhandle 47 is pulled from the neutral position of FIG. 4 in acounterclockwise direction to the solid line position of FIG. 4, pin 57first proceeds to the end of arcuate slot 60 and thereafter rocker arm54 is turned in a counterclockwise direction and this turns punch shaft53 through about thirty degrees in a counterclockwise direction. Whenhandle 47 is returned to neutral position, rocker arm 54 is returned tothe dotted line position of FIG. 4. The arcuate extension 60 positivelyturns shaft 53 to starting position. Shaft 53 is preferablyspring-loaded to assist the return to neutral position. When handle 47is turned in clockwise direction beyond neutral, pin 57 slides to thebottom end of slot 56 providing a lost motion connection.

The punching operation and apparatus is shown particularly in FIGS. 6and 7. For each hole 22 to be punched in sheets 21, there is a punch rod61 Which reciprocates vertically, being guided by upper laminae 62 andlower laminae 63 which are apertured to receive rods 61. Laminae 62consist of apertured sheet metal strips extending the width of themachine. Lower laminae 63 are similar strips. At intervals are verticalspacers 64 which are bonded to the laminae by rivet heads 66. The thirdlowermost lamina is a spacer lamina 67 being shorter than the othersproviding space 68 for the insertion of the sheets 21 to be punched. Thelocation of the spacer 67 is at the level of the lower platen 34.Between the vertical spacers 64, for each punch rod 61 is a segmentalpinion 71 which is fixed to punch shaft 53. Each 4 ,m punch rod 61 hasfixed thereto rack elements 72 which mesh with the teeth of thesegmental pinion 71. The rack elements 72 may consist of several disksfixed to rod 61. Preliminary to punching, the edges of sheets 21 areinserted through opening 38 and into spacer 68. The left hand edge ofeach sheet is squared against side guide 73 which projects up from thelevel of the lower platen 34 and the inner edges of the sheets arepushed against the spacer lamina 67. When the punch shaft 53 isoscillated by pulling handle 47 from the neutral position of FIG. 4 tothe solid line position thereof, the punch rods 61 are depressed and theends of the punch rods shear against the second lowermost aperturedlamina 63, punching holes 22 in the sheets 21. In order to reduce theforce required for punching, pinions 71 may be staged about shaft 53 sothat only a few of rods 61 contact the paper simultaneously and otherrods contact the paper serially.

Directing attention again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear link 52 carries apin 76 which fits in arcuate lost motion slot 77 in triangular secondrocker arm 78 which is pivoted about pivot 79 attached to an upwardprojection 81 of base 31. An elongated lever 82 is pivoted to the cornerof rocker arm 78 opposite pivot 79 and the outer end of link 82 ispinned to pressure bar 83. On each side of the machine an alignment pin84 depends from bar 83. See FIG. 5. Alignment pin 84 fits in a verticalsocket 86 in block 87 fixed to base plate 31, the lower end of the pinbeing chamfered to facilitate insertion in the alignment socket. Anapertured guide fitting 88 is pivoted by pin 89 to block 87. Whenalignment pin 84 is released from its socket 86, it remains Withinfitting 88 and its movement is restricted thereby. When alignment pin 84is depressed as hereinafter explained, fitting 88 guides the end ofalignment pin 84 into its socket 86.

The linkage is such that when handle 47 is in neutral position, pin 76is at the right hand end of slot 77 as viewed in FIG. 4, but arm 78 isin solid line position. During the punch operation pin 76 slides inarcuate slot 77 and rocker arm 78 remains stationary aaginst stop 80.When handle 47 is moved from neutral position in clockwise direction,however, pin 76, being seated at the right end of .slot 77, pivotsrocker arm 78 from the solid line position of FIG. 4 to the dotted lineposition thereof. In the solid line position of arm 78 in FIG. 4, lever82 raises pressure bar 83 and lifts alignment pin 84 out of its socket86. This tilts pressure bar 83 rearwardly behind panel 39 for a purposewhich hereinafter appears. Clockwise movement of handle 47 from neutralor solid line position to the dotted line position of FIG. 4 or solidline position of FIG. 3 pulls alignment pin 84 down into socket 86 andpulls bar 83 downwardly. Coil springs 91 which interconnect bar 83 andshaft 79 apply a downward pressure on pressure bar 83.

The upper platen 36 is formed with a transverse depression 96immediately before opening 41 and immediately in front of panel 39 andinto this depression the second strip 26 is installed with thecountersunk holes 28 downwards. The punched sheets 21 are then installedon top of the second strip 26, their side edges being squared againstside guide 97 and their inner edges panel 39. The holes 22 in the paperand holes 27 in the second strip are thereby aligned. Studs 23 are theninserted through the holes until the first strip 24 is on top of the topsheet 21. Since studs 23 may be of extended length, the capacity of themachine is increased by permitting the upper transverse pressure bar 83to tilt rearwardly as is shown in solid lines in FIG. 4. As handle 47 ismoved from the neutral position shown in FIG. 3 to the solid lineposition of FIG. 3, pressure bar 83 first returns to horizontal positionby reason of guide fittings 88 directing the lower ends of the alignmentpins 84 in the alignment socket 86 and the lever 82 next pulls thepressure bar 83 downwardly as guided by the alignment pins 84. Springs91 press bar 83 against first strip 24 and compress sheets 21 betweenthe first and second strips. (See solid line position of FIG. 3.) As asafety measure, the movement of bar 83 may be damped by a dashpot orother means (not shown). The excess length of studs 23 project below thebottom surface of second strip 26. Springs 91 hold the hook in placeduring the severing and heading operations, which are next described.Thereafter handle 47 is returned to neutral and pressure bar 83 to theposition shown in FIG. 4.

Extending transversely about at the level of upper platen 36 is a studsevering and heading cycling shaft 98 which is driven through onerevolution by an electric motor 99 when the operator presses a button.Extending transversely horizontally of the machine is a hollow tube 101which receives a heating element (not shown) which is thermostaticallycontrolled to heat tube 101 and also the horizontally reciprocatingknife blades 102 which project horizontally forwardly therefrom throughopening 41 in front panel 39. On their forward movement, the blades cutoff the excess lengths of the studs 23 slightly below the level ofsecond strip 26 (see FIG. 9.) On the retractive stroke (dotted lineposition of FIG. 9), the blades are retracted behind front panel 39 andthus do not constitute a hazard to personnel. Below the level of theblades 102 is an extension 103 of front panel 39 Which serves as a wiperto strip off excess plastic which tends to cling to blades 102. Tube 101is supported at each end by leaf springs 104 which are fixed at theirlower ends and which bias tube 101 to rearward or dotted line positionof FIG. 9. On timing shaft 98 are a plurality of cams 106 having highdwells 107. When the high dwells 107 contact tube 101 as shaft 98 turnsin clockwise direction, the tube is forced forwardly (to the left inFIG. 9). After shaft 98 has turned so that high dwells 107 are no longerin contact with tube 101, springs 104 return to the blades to retractedposition.

For each stud 23 there is a heading arm 111 which performs a hammeringfunction. The heading arms 111 are pivoted about shaft 112 which isparallel to and behind timing shaft 98. Compression springs 113 bias thearms 111 in a clockwise direction (see FIG. 10). Each arm 111 has aforward projecting extension 114 which has an upward turned strikingportion 116 in alignment with stud 23. Each arm 111 also is formed witha cam following finger 117. For each arm 111 there is a cam 118 ontiming shaft 98. Each cam 118 has a low dwell 119 or idling portion,then a constantly increased radius portion 121 and finally a trigger orsubstantially radial stretch 122 which joins the low dwell portion 119.The cam follower finger 117 of each arm 111 engages cam 118. As shaft 98turns, cam 118 moves arm 111 from the dotted line position of FIG. 9 tothe solid line position thereof (which also is a movement from the solidline position of FIG. 10 to the dotted line position thereof). Thedownward or counterclockwise movement of arm 111 compresses spring 113and hence when shaft 98 reaches the position shown in solid lines inFIG. 10, arm 111 springs upward from the dotted line position to thesolid line position with considerable force. Blades 102 have heated theends of stud material 23 during the time that the studs are being cutand the stud ends are still quite soft. Hence when the striking ends 116of the arms 111 forcibly contact the plastic stud, heads are formed onthe stud and the material is forced into the countersunk portions ofsecond strips 26. The volume of material in the arms 111 operates as aheat sink which cools the studs 23 causing them to become non-plastic asthe cams 118 travel through their low dwell portion 119. The arms 111are then retracted to the dotted line position of FIG. 10 and the cycleis ready for repetition.

Directing attention now to FIGS. 13-17, the method of operation of themachine is best illustrated. Preliminarily, the sheets 21 are insertedin whatever quantity the punch will accept in spacer 67, the holes 22 tobe punched being properly located by the inner edges of the papercontacting the spacer 67 and the margins of the pages contacting theside guide 73. The handle 47 is pulled from neutral position forwardlycausing the punch rods 61 to punch holes in the paper and then returnedto neutral position. The punching operation may be repeated severaltimes until all of the sheets 21 Which are to form the book have beenpunched. It will be understood, as has already been explained, thatholes 22 may be pre-punched or may be drilled where necessary.

The second strip 26 is then installed in the depression 96 in therearward end of top platen 36 with the countersunk surfaces of the holeslowermost. The sheets 21 are then piled on top of platen 36 and squareagainst the back panel 39 and side guide 97. The holes 22 27 in thesheets and lower strip are thereby aligned. Thereupon the upper strip 24is installed with studs 23 extending down through the holes 22 in thesheets 21 and through the holes 27 in the second strip 26 and projectingbelow the second strip (see FIG. 14).

With the handle in neutral position, the pressure bar 83 is tiltedbackward permitting the installation of first strips 24 with elongatedstuds 23 and with a considerable thickness of material to be bound. Asthe control handle 47 is moved rearwardly in a clockwise direction thepressure bar 83 is brought to horizontal position by reason of the factthat the pivoted guide fittings 88 direct the lower ends of thealignment pins 84 into the vertical guide sockets '86.

Continued movement of handle 47 pulls pressure bar vertically downwardlyunder the influence of springs 91, forcing the studs 23 down andcompressing sheets 21 between the lower 26 and upper 24 strips (see FIG.15). Handle 47 remains in rearward position, the extent of movementdepending upon the thickness of sheets to be handled in the maximumposition. A control light indicates whether the heating elements haveheated the blades 102 to a sufiiciently high temperature to performtheir function. When this is indicated, the operator pushes a buttonwhich cycles motor 99 to turn shaft 98 through one revolution. At thestart of the cycle, blades 102 are retracted and the heading arms 111are also in the retracted position. As shaft 98 turns, cams 106 forcetube 101 forwardly against the force of springs 104 causing blades 102to cut off the ends of the studs 23 a short distance below the bottomsurface of the second strip 26, the severed ends dropping into areceptacle (not shown). The blades 102 not only sever studs 23 but alsoheat the lower ends thereof so that they are soft. Blades 102 thenretract under the action of springs 104 as shaft 98 continues torevolve. The continued turning of shaft 98 further depresses the arms111 against the force of springs 113 until the trigger portion 122 ofcam 11 8 passes the cam follower fingers 117 of arms 1'11 and thereuponthe springs 113 forcibly impel the arms 111 in an upward, clockwisedirection. The working ends 116' of arms 11'1 forcibly strike the softends of the studs 23, forming heads thereon and forcing the material tofill the countersunk portions 28 of the holes 27. The arms 111 remain incontact with studs 23 a sufiicient length of time to cool the same,whereupon the arms 111 are retracted to initial position and the timingcycle is ready for repetition. Handle 47 is returned to neutral positionand the bound book is removed.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for binding sheets together with the use of a first strip,a plurality of studs projecting from and spaced longitudinally relativeto said first strip and a second strip formed with apertures spacedlongitudinally of said second strip at intervals complementary to saidstuds, said apparatus comprising a frame having means shaped to receiveone said strip, a platen table adjacent said means to support aperturedsheets, a pressure foot formed to engage the other of said strips,cooperating means on said frame and said pressure foot to move saidpressure foot toward said first-mentioned means to bring said stripstogether with said studs projecting through said apertures,

and shear means to cut off the ends of said studs projecting throughsaid second strip.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said cooperating meanscomprises actuating means mounted on said frame, means articulatelyconnecting said actuating means and said pressure foot, and cooperatingguide means on said frame and said pressure foot, said actuating meansforcing said pressure foot in a direction perpendicular to said platento compress said strips toward each other.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said guide means disengagewhen said pressure foot is positioned remote from said platen and saidmeans articulately connecting said actuating means and said pressurefoot tilts said pressure foot at an angle relative to said platen, andsecond guide means for reengaging said first-mentioned guide means whensaid last-mentioned means moves said pressure foot toward said platen.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said shear means comprises aplurality of blades, means reciprocating said blades in a directiontransverse to said studs and heating means to heat said blades.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises a plurality ofheading means mounted on said frame and heading actuating means formoving said heading means against the ends of studs cut off by saidshear means to form heads on said ends, securing said studs and saidstrips in assembled position.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 which further comprises heating meansto heat and make plastic said ends, whereby said heading actuating meansupset said plastic ends.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which said heading means comprisesa plurality of levers pivotally mounted on said frame having camfollower fingers, a shaft, cams on said shaft engaged by said fingers,resilient means biasing said levers toward said ends, said cams shapedto force said levers against the force of said springs away from saidends and then rapidly to release said levers for hammer-like blows ofsaid heading means against said ends, and means for turning said shaft.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 which further comprises second cams onsaid shaft engaging said shear means, said second cams forcing saidshear means to out off said ends prior to said heading means beingdriven against said ends.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 which further comprises heating meansto heat said shear means to soften said ends as said ends are cut 01f.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises means on saidframe to deform the cutoff ends of said studs to hold said studs andsaid second strip bound together.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,908,173 10/1959 Bardy.

3,125,887 3/1964 Bouvier et a1. 3,452,376 7/1969 Ito.

LAWRENCE CHARLES, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 281-21

